Customer Reviews

State of Grace

5 star:		(9)
4 star:		(2)
3 star:		(0)
2 star:		(0)
1 star:		(0)

 

 

First of all I'd like to apologize for giving this CD 5 stars, but that's all they'll let you give. "State of Grace" by Pierce Pettis is one of the most well-crafted, seamless collections of songs that I have ever heard on CD. The themes of memory, grace, southern culture and faith are intertwined on this CD in a way that reflects the experiences shared by so many who have grown up (like Pierce) in that part of the country. But don't shy away from this album if you don't happen come from the South . . . there is much to be cherished on this CD for any listener. I find that Pierce Pettis writes and performs from a place that feels very familiar. Indeed, you won't have to listen to his music very long before he seems like an old friend. You hear echos of Americana in the melodies, reminiscent of tunes from Steven Foster to "Dixie". His lyrics evoke in me thoughts and feelings from my idealistic youth that I was surprised could be brought again to the surface. His is a kindred voice and spirit that helps me believe that there truly can be something real to faith. For example, in the beautiful "Moontown" he sings of a small town where "Heaven is a place that everybody here believes in". Or from "A Mountaineer is Always Free" a place where there's "No one but God here to fear or to look down on me". And all of the performances are top notch. As anyone who has seen him in concert or heard any of his CD's can tell you, Pierce is an incredible musician. Just listen to the harmonica part in "Georgia Moon", as he glides up to a high note that is as graceful and fragile as the memory of a flower petal on a breeze. And by the way, if you like his cover of the Mark Heard tune "Rise From the Ruins", I highly recommend that you check out other songs from Mark Heard, a brilliant writer and performer himself.

I could talk about Pierce Pettis, his music, this CD for hours. In short, I'd just say buy this record. Sit down when you have 45 uninterrupted minutes and be carried away to a place that feels so very familiar, so close to home . . . do you remember how the word "home" used to make you feel? Maybe, if you find yourself in a State of Grace, it still can.

Pierce Pettis has never disappointed me, and he isn't about to start now. This album tends to be more roots-orieted than some of his earlier work. With some artists that would be bad news, but not for Pierce. From the amazingly crafted title track to the unbridled joy of "A Mountaineer Is Always Free" you will be amazed by the subtle production, the deft writing and the skillful guitar work. If you have the chance to see Pierce live, DO IT! What he is able to create musically on stage will astound you. Let's hope there will be a live album someday soon.
One last note on this album: "Little River Canyon" may just be the best song I'll play on my radio show this year. GET THIS ALBUM NOW! Even better: give this as a present to every friend or family member who appreciates true music. Trust me, they'll be grateful and you'll look like a genius to them!

Pierce Pettis writes and sings some of the most moving and beautiful songs in contemporary music. This collection includes a number of co-authored pieces and a Dylan cover. Every number is excellent. There is a pronounced "Southern experience" dimension to this CD but listeners everywhere will resonate with the universal themes, catchy hooks, and beautiful melodies. Of all Pierce's CD's, this one projects the most settled and mature faith--very subtly rendered. The poignancy of human affairs is evident, now more than ever baptized in hope and an abiding awareness of grace. The song "State of Grace" could serve as an anthem for the baby boomers of America who now think and act as they do in their very best moments (despite themselves) because of the nurture they received in communities of faith. Though no one could do it better than Pierce, this song would be giant if covered by a better known artist. Pierce Pettis is an artist to celebrate. If you don't know why, this CD will complete your education.

I fortunately found Pierce on a Windham Hill sampler years ago.
Also was fortunate to purchase all of his recordings with the now defunct Windham. I am convinced no other artist has the desire and compassion and natural talent for music. Now we can't buy these songs.

I recently saw a solo concert in Indiana and it confirmed this belief. His wife Michele and Pierce travel to small venues ( 100 people ) in their minvan with their dogs and instuments. At a $10 admission charge I am amazed at this compassion--it shows in his songs. He even let me play his guitars!

Though I'm sorry about a 4( there isn't a half star ) rating--it's because I'm comparing it to the beautiful Making Light of It and Chase the Buffalo-Thanks Pierce and Michele-if you ever go to Lvd's Farm in Middlebury, IN- again--I'll be in the first row--Tom Lewis--

I HAVE EAGERLY AWAITED THE RELEASE OF THIS CD AFTER SEEING PIERCE PERFORM THESE SONGS LIVE OVER THE PAST COUPLE OF YEARS.I WAS NOT DISAPPOINTED.THIS CD IS THE CLOSEST THING I HAVE EVER SEEN TO A STUDIO ALBUM THAT SOUNDS LIKE A LIVE PERFORMANCE. THERE IS EVERYTHING ON HERE BUT THE ANNOYING APPLAUSE. PIERCE PERFORMS THESE SONGS WITH SUCH ENERGY AND PASSION THAT YOU CAN'T HELP BUT MARVEL AT HIS AMAZING TALENT.THESE SONGS FLOW TOGETHER LIKE A PATCHWORK QUILT. HIS OBSERVATIONS OF SOUTHERN LIFE AND IDIOMS ARE TRULY INSPIRING. THERE IS NO MANUFACTURED MUSIC ON THIS CD, NO SYNTHESIZERS OR ORCHESTRAL STRINGS. THIS IS ALL AUTHENTIC INSTRUMENTATION.

IN THESE SONGS,PIERCE EVOKES THE POIGNANCY, SPIRITUALITY AND MEMORY OF HIS ROOTS THAT IS ENTIRELY ENGAGING. IN THE TITLE TRACK "STATE OF GRACE", PIERCE EXPRESSES THE HOMEGROWN, DOWN TO EARTH GENTILITY OF LIFE IN HIS HOME STATE OF ALABAMA. "GEORGIA MOON" IS A BEAUTIFUL BALLAD ABOUT A FIRST LOVE THAT STILL BRINGS MEMORIES OF PAIN AND BEAUTY YEARS BEYOND THE ORIGIN. "MOUNTAINEERS ARE ALWAYS FREE" IS AN ANTHEM TO FREEDOM AND DIGNITY FOR ANYONE WHO HAS EVER EXPERIENCED OPPRESSION. "MOONTOWN" IS A WONDERFUL BALLAD OF THE JOYS OF LIVING IN A SMALL TOWN IN THE SOUTH. "LITTLE RIVER CANYON" IS A SNAPSHOT OF ADOLESCENT LIFE REMEMBERED WITH TENDERNESS AT MIDLIFE AND DESCRIBED ON A CANVAS OF NATURE'S WONDERS. PIERCE'S INTERPRETATION OF BOB DYLANS " DOWN IN THE FLOOD" IS ELECTRIFYING, WITH THE GUITAR PROGRESSIONS,BLUESY VOCALS AND A RAGING HARMONICA. FINALLY, "WE WILL MEET AGAIN" AND "I'VE GOT A HOPE" SPEAK OF PIERCE'S DEEP SPIRITUALITY AND EXPECTATION OF A BETTER PLACE BEYOND THIS WORLD. WHETHER HE IS PERFORMING A LOVELY BALLAD, OR A ROUSING ROCKER, PIERCE SINGS AND PLAYS WITH EMOTION AND DEPTH. THIS IS A NEARLY PERFECT CD. THE SONGS CUT ACROSS VARIOUS GENRES FROM FOLK, TO BLUES, TO ROCK AND BLUEGRASS. THE END RESULT IS A MATURE AND THOUGHTFUL COLLECTION OF SONGS THAT WILL TOUCH YOUR HEART!

This is great stuff. Some of Pierce's songs grab you right away. Even better, many of them slowly grow on you. My only qualifier is don't let the quality of this CD stop you from getting his 2 previous efforts. He has it all: great voice, outstanding guitar skills, great melodies and wonderful lyrics. His music will move you and amuse you. I saw him do most of these songs live recently, and he blew everyone away. If you're new to Pierce, you're in for a treat.

This, my friends, is as good as it gets in folk these days! If you are a fan of folk music and you don't instantly buy a copy of this album, you will forever be deemed a fool by more than you will ever know. In all seriousness, this may very well be Pierce's most well conceived work: a study in passion, lyrical imagery and emotional strength. Great melodies accompanied by Pierce's always excellent guitarwork. This is just one of those albums that comes down the pike once in a blue moon and says to you the listener, this is who I am, and this is what I have to share with you and it is VERY important! By no means is Pierce a preachy singer, but he has a certain way with certain truths and he will reveal those truths to you in his songs.

Just awesome! Just frigging awesome! That is really the best review I can give right now!

After hearing this album, you will give strong consideration for Bob Dylan to step down from his throne and hand his crown over to Pierce!

I think it really is time.....

BRAVO!!!!

Well, okay a short review.....try getting the title track "State Of Grace" out of your head after you hear it a few times; both the words and that magnificent guitar!

Also, Pierce is from Alabama and this, it has got to be said, is Pierce's most Southern album, almost an homage to his upbringing. Check out the songs "Georgia Moon" and "Little River Canyon" for proof positive of this. It's also so tautly focused on what it is he wants to sing about that that as a whole it's very cohesive. Every one of Pierce's albums, I think, clearly shows how his strengths have gotten more and more fine tuned and he just gets better and better in all facets: his voice, his guitar technique, his melodies, his choice of words and how he doesn't waste a single line.....just a truly gifted artist! I could go on and on, but I won't.... Just catch him on tour if you can.....you will NOT regret it!

Anyone who knows Pierce's music knows that there is a poetic and musical genius in our midst who goes unnoticed by the masses, but is revered by those with ears to hear. All of Pierce's albums are great, and none is greater than State of Grace. It is a perfect record, a brilliant meditation on Pierce's experience in the South. While other reviewers have rightfully noted the strengths of each song, I will, instead, reproduce the words of the masterpiece "Georgia Moon":

'neath Antebellum mansions
Where the ancient floorboards sag
And Spanish moss sways gently as
A tattered Rebel flag
Strolling past wrought iron fences
Tipped with rusty spikes
I felt the softness of your hand
You were beautiful that night

We walked in long shadows
Long after it was dark
Took our shoes off by the fountain
Down at the city park
Your flowered dress was clinging and
Your hair was stringy wet
We kissed beneath the white cascade
I never will forget

Georgia moon
Hanging down like a tear
from God's own eye
Laying low in the bottom of the sky
Sneaking upon me like a thief in the night
Every time it makes me think of you
Long ago beneath the Georgia moon

In the Confederate cemetary
A sentry stood on high
Expressionless despite
A fuselage of fireflies
On the graves of our grandfathers
Where the grass is long and cool
It was there we laid our blanket down
Like a flag of truce

On your mother's wide veranda
We said our last goodbyes
You were off to college by
The red dawn's early light
Now your memory still shines on me
Part Heaven and part Hell
Oh to reach for the roses, we
Must feel the thorns as well
Georgia moon...

_______

Wow. Now go listen to Pierce's comparably great arrangement, vocals and harmonica, and you will have a perfect aesthetic moment.

Longtime Alabama performing songwriter Pierce Pettis soars in this 2001 set of originals, plus a Mark Heard cover. "State of Grace" pours over with meaning and significance. This record compares well with Pettis's other home runs, "Everything Matters" and "Great Big World." It invokes the aura of artists as varied as Richard Thompson or Willy Porter. Never a pop hit maker, Pettis is a favourite of public radio and acoustic music fans.

I heard a cut from this CD on a podcast of all places and purchased the CD based on the one song I heard. It is beyond a doubt one of the best CD's I have purchased in a long time and immediately made it onto my daily music rotation. I highly recommend.